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Published Articles by Michael Morris

Farm Report: Sulentic having hot June

Matthew Sulentic, Midland RockHounds

Double-A Midland may not scare anyone with its 30-46 record, but Matthew Sulentic has used the last month to open eyes that may have lost sight of him since he was drafted by the A’s in third round of the 2006 Amateur Draft.

The 23-year-old outfielder from New Jersey hit .256 in April and .253 in May. This June, Suletic has flipped the switch, hitting .358 from through June 29. His spectacular June has turned his lowly .254 average at the beginning of the month to .287, second highest on the team.

Sulentic has jumped around the A’s minor league system that last few seasons, playing for Vancouver, Kane County, Stockton and Midland. Sulentic made the jump from Vancouver to Stockton in two seasons, and hit .309 in 95 games for the Ports. His next stop was in Midland where he has found himself playing the last three years.

He hit above .275 the last two seasons while scoring 50-plus runs while driving in 45 or more. If he can continue at the rate he is going, the kid from New Jersey may find himself wearing a new jersey soon, making his last step until the majors.

Michael Gilmartin, Stockton Ports

Someone forgot to tell Michael Gilmartin that the talent level goes up as you make your way up the farm system.

The Stockton Ports second baseman played in Vancouver and Kane County the two seasons, prior to suiting up Stockton (High-A). However, he has had better numbers this season than in past seasons. In 60 games for Vancouver, Gilmartin hit .232 with 10 doubles, one triple, three home runs, 34 runs, 22 RBI and five steals. In 119 games for Kane County Gilmartin hit .245, 30 doubles, four triples, five home runs, with 41 runs, 53 RBI and 15 steals.

Through 61 games this season, Gilmartin has matched many of those numbers while adding on to personal numbers that he has already surpassed. As of June 29, Gilmartin is hitting .298 for Stockton with 13 doubles, six triples, seven home runs, with 40 runs, 38 RBI and three steals. Numbers any 27th round-pick would be proud to have. Or any Minor Leaguer for that matter.